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Business leaders from across Scotland’s food and drink industry have come together to launch the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

Business leaders that were successful at last year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards came together today to welcome the launch of the awards. Representatives ranging from historic family businesses like Macsween and Ian Macleod Distillers, key export businesses like the Scottish Salmon Company and younger SMEs like Aberdeen-based chocolatier Cocoa Ooze and food and drink visitor centre Born in the Borders from Jedburgh came together to urge other businesses to enter the awards.

The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise those businesses and individuals in Scotland who are leading the way with innovation, enterprise and quality. Entries are encouraged from small, medium and large food and drink producers across 19 entered business and product categories. Increasingly recognised by both trade and consumers as recognition of the highest quality, the awards open for entries today. Organised by Scotland Food & Drink in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), the awards close for entries on Friday 11 March.

Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, James Withers, said:

“These awards recognise the best products, business practice and individuals that make Scotland a Land of Food and Drink. They highlight the strength of our industry, the wealth of talent and skill countrywide across all sectors as well as our world leading expertise and innovation in the production of premium food and drink. Our expert panel of judges provide constructive feedback which make the awards a useful exercise no matter how entrants perform, while finalists and winners benefit from an impressive boost to their profile as consumer awareness of the awards grows every year.”

The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016 take place on 2 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). With previous year’s tickets sold out after two weeks on sale, 700 people are expected to attend the awards. Attendees will be treated to a drinks reception and impressive dinner, showcasing the very best of Scotland’s produce. Tickets for the event are on sale from Scotland Food & Drink now.

The awards include nine product awards judged mainly by taste and a wide range of business categories, which include Environmental Sustainability, Scottish Sourcing and Investing in People in addition to an award recognising Young Talent in the industry. The event’s headline sponsor is Asda.

Stephen Hutt, RHASS’ Chief Executive, added his support to the awards, saying:

“RHASS represents primary food producers and is proud to be a partner in these important awards. We would encourage anyone in Scotland producing fine food and drink to get involved. Competition will be tough but the reward will be invaluable as it puts your brand amongst the best of the best in this impressive and world leading industry.”

Food and drink businesses from across Scotland can enter online at www.foodanddrink.scot/events/excellence-awards. Entries for the awards close on Friday 11 March. Tickets for the awards ceremony and dinner are now on sale available from Scotland Food & Drink priced at £99 + VAT for Scotland Food & Drink members or £199 + VAT for non-members.

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.